A strange and mesmerizing marine worm has recently gone viral online, and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
This bizarre creature, known as Eulagisca gigantea, looks like it belongs in a sci-fi horror movie rather than the icy waters of Antarctica.
With its shimmering golden bristles and gaping, tooth-lined mouth, it could easily be mistaken for a holiday ornament gone terribly wrong.
But, believe it or not, this oddball worm has been living in the Southern Ocean for years — it’s just now catching attention thanks to social media.
Meet the Eulagisca gigantea
So, what makes this worm so special? First off, it’s about 8 inches long (that’s around the size of a banana), with a head that’s actually a retractable throat.
When it’s time to eat, this throat extends out, revealing sharp teeth, making it clear this worm isn’t just sitting around looking pretty — it’s a predator. The worm uses this extendable part to scavenge or even hunt smaller marine creatures.
Its golden bristles aren’t just for show either. They might help it swim, crawl along the seafloor, or act as a defense mechanism. However, there’s still so much we don’t know about Eulagisca gigantea, as scientists have only studied it briefly since its discovery in 1939.
A creature of the deep
Polychaete worms like Eulagisca gigantea are incredibly diverse and can be found in all kinds of ocean environments. From shallow coral reefs to deep-sea hydrothermal vents, these worms come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.
In fact, there are over 8,000 species of polychaete worms, though experts believe there could be even more lurking out there, waiting to be discovered.
A 2016 study suggested that we may only have uncovered half of the marine worm species out there, so who knows what other weird and wonderful creatures are hiding in the deep?
These worms may seem strange, but they play important roles in ocean ecosystems and are crucial for researchers studying life in the depths of our planet.
Viral sensation
Recently, a Facebook post featuring a specimen of Eulagisca gigantea taken from the Antarctic Ocean went viral. The image captured the worm’s metallic golden bristles and its frightening, extruded jaws. It’s no wonder the post sparked fascination and a little bit of horror among viewers.
While its otherworldly appearance might make you shudder, creatures like Eulagisca gigantea are helping scientists understand the fascinating and mysterious biodiversity of the deep sea.
As more of the ocean is explored, who knows what other bizarre creatures will surface from the depths — reminding us that life on Earth is sometimes stranger than fiction.